With summer right around the corner, we’ve put together a list of our top five slimming and toning workouts, and we’ll tell you why they’re so effective. For a totalbody burn and tone combine one of the following with some cardio, such as running or indoor cycling. One hour a day is sure to put you on track and leave you slimmer and fitter for summer!

 KETTLEBELL TRAINING: A great way to build muscle strength and endurance. When you train with kettlebells there is an offset center of gravity, so you have to make an extra effort to maintain your balance. All exercises are designed to work various muscle groups at the same time, while increasing your heart rate. The combination of intense cardio and strength makes it a very efficient workout. Some studies have shown people to burn up to 400 calories in just 20 minutes of kettlebell training.

 SUSPENSION BANDS: Use suspended straps and your own body weight for total-body toning. Suspension training is low-impact, which makes it a great option for almost anyone. Exercises with the bands are designed to increase balance, flexibility, joint stability, and strength all at the same time. In every exercise abdominals are engaged and multiple muscle groups are worked. Great for building long, lean muscle.

 BOOTCAMP: Alternate between high intensity intervals of strength training, mixed with bursts of cardio for a full-body, fat-torching workout. In this genre of exercise, every muscle in your body is challenged with little rest in between sets. Continue to burn calories even hours after your workout has finished!

 DUMBBELL TRAINING: Another technique that’s great for building long, lean muscle. Optimize free-weight workouts by engaging multiple muscle groups at the same time. For example, a deadlift row works glutes, abdominals and back all in one move. Also, exercising arms and legs at the same time gets the heart rate up and accelerates fat burn, proving for a more efficient workout.

 CARDIO KICKBOXING: Use fighting moves, bags, and your own body weight to shed those extra pounds, punch out stress, and build strength. Cardio kickboxing elevates your heart rate and sculpts at the same time. It also improves balance and coordination, which helps sharpen reflexes.

With any of these exercise regimes correct form and posture is crucial! Avoid injury and reap maximum benefits by working with a certified trainer. Suncycle Studios employs talented certified trainers and offers a variety of exciting spin fusion classes that incorporate sculpting, kettlebells, kickboxing, bootcamp, and suspension bands. We also offer teen classes for strength, sports performance and fitness. Check our website for an up-to-date schedule: suncyclestudios.com.